3. THE MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEM OF THE RC 10A 
The use of microcomputers is an extremely good way of solving the various problems and carrying the 
variative tasks of a modern aerial camera. 
In terms of informatics, an aerial camera must meet the following requirements: 
- record user and camera data 
- process these data whilst paying due regard to limiting and control values 
- transmit this data output to the control elements of the camera or to the man-machine 
interface by means of a variety of displays or other similar elements 
The large number of the signals and control data from the camera that have to be processed requires 
such a large number of input and output conductors that one single-chip microcomputer cannot cope 
with them alone. 
criterion, in realizing the RC10A, 
tasks to individual microprocessors would seem to be the best solution. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
For reasons of flexibility in the system and having due regard to the reliability 
a multiprocessor system (Fig 3) with an appropriate allocation of 
OPERATOR EXPOSURE 
INTERFACE ELECTRONICS 
EXPOSURE CONTROL CONTROL 
COMPUTER 
ACCESSORY ACCESSORY 
DIGITAL M 
SPARE DATA PEM 2A 
RECORDING MP 2 MP 1 
MP 5 MP 4 MP 3 > 
| {A || MASTER 
COMPUTER REDUNDANT 
SYSTEM 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fig 3: The Microcomputer System for the RC10A 
Microprocessor 1 takes over the control of the most important camera functions. It executes the 
complete film-transport and exposure cycle. The command for film transport or exposure is either 
given manually by the operator or, in the case of a series of photographs, by microprocessor 2 which 
also carries out all the other tasks. 
Thus, for example, from the required overlap in the flight direction this computes the time intervals 
necessary between successive shutter releases and also the momentary image motion,-and this is also 
displayed. In addition to controlling the whole of the camera system and establishing the dialogue 
between operator and camera, microprocessor 2 finally also takes over the master function in a 
multiprocessor system that is created when the PEM 2A automatic exposure meter and/or the data recording 
system is fitted. In such a system, each of the microprocessors MP3, MP4, MP5 functions as an 
autonomous system which receives its data via the internal data bus from its master in accordance with 
the master-slave principle. In being allocated to purely mechanical control.functions, such as those 
for controlling the exposure and film-transport- processes. and to arithmetical and dialogue functions, 
the multiprocessor system with MP2 as master provides very great flexibility without increasing 
either the hardware or the software. 
4. CHARACTERISTICS AND FEATURES OF THE RC 10A AERIAL CAMERA 
The criteria that were established for an optimum camera have been substantially met by the use of 
the latest technology. The advantages of highly integrated circuits and the programmability of a 
microcomputer demonstrate, amongst other, that solving a problem which, to date, required about 
1000 gates, is now possible with a single microcomputer having a storage capacity of about 2kbyte. 
Thus, to realize an aerial camera with microprocessor elements, the following advantages are 
provided. 
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